If too small, breast implants can harmoniously enhance the body contour. Choosing the implants size and shape is best made with the help of your surgeon, who is the best possible adviser. Types of implants, the size, the shape, and the incision emplacement must be adapted to each patient. It is therefore of primary importance to discuss these factors with the surgeon during consultation. In all cases, the scar will be discrete,

The shape of the implants must be selected according the patient wishes but also to her/his shape and body structure. Too large implants give a tensed look and little naturalness.

Implants filled with salt-water solution or silicone gel can be used. The choice of the implants is something that should be discussed with your surgeon, .as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type of implants.

Cohesive breasts implants made of silicone gel are approved by Health Canada since October 20, 2006. All implants are made of an elastomeric silicone shell (thicker silicone) which is in physical contact with the body. The implants are pre-filled in factory (silicone gel) therefore the volume is therefore set by the manufacturer.

On the other hand, inflatable physiological serum implants are filled by the surgeon who can control, to a certain degree, the volume of the implants during surgery. Other fillings such as the Soya oil, the PVP or hydrogel also were tested but are not currently used.

The first implants were full rounded and are still currently used. Their outlines and base diameters are different from one manufacturer to another. Since a few years, there are implants known as “anatomical” having the shape of water drop whose implantation can have a more natural look particularly in breast reconstruction.

Consultation

The surgeon will examine the mammary gland, the quality and thickness of the skin, the risk of an eventual loosening, the shape and structure of the thorax and its thinness. Measurements will be made in order to determine if your constitution is compatible with the size of the selected implant and to evaluate if a breast lift will be necessary.

The type of implants, the size, the shape, the proper emplacement and the incision used must be adapted to each patient. It is therefore of primary importance to discuss these factors with the surgeon during consultation. The surgery is performed under general anaesthesia and lasts approximately an hour.

Risks

The risks are low and include infection, bruising, scars, changes of sensitivity of the nipples, asymmetry, breast feeding complications, the possible effects on the interpretation of the mammography, and long-term calcification. Capsular contraction or post-surgical hardening may require an additional surgery. The surgeon will explain to you what it consists in.

After surgery

• Pain in the breasts and in the armpit area (controlled with antalgic drugs)
• Post surgery oedemas that gives a rectangular look to the breasts.
• Light Post-surgery bruising (15 days)
• The first shower is allowed on the 3rd day only
• Permanent wearing of the support bra during day for one to at least 2 weeks
• Sports and physical efforts must be avoided for a period of 6 weeks
• Recovery and resuming work: 2 to 3 weeks depending on the type of job.

Q. How long after will have I to change my implants?
A. The type of implant does not matter. They all have a limited lifespan which is not known precisely but which is not infinite either.